1
|
Brognara L. Gait Assessment Using Smartphone Applications in Older Adults: A Scoping Review. Geriatrics (Basel) 2024; 9:95. [PMID: 39051259 PMCID: PMC11270307 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9040095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Spatiotemporal parameters such as gait velocity and stride length are simple indicators of functional status and can be used to predict major adverse outcomes in older adults. A smartphone can be used for gait analysis by providing spatiotemporal parameters useful for improving the diagnosis and rehabilitation processes in frail people. The aim of this study was to review articles published in the last 20 years (from 2004 to 2024) concerning the application of smartphones to assess the spatiotemporal parameters of gait in older adults. This systematic review was performed in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and original articles were identified by searching seven electronic databases: SciVerse (ScienceDirect), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Medline, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. Studies were rigorously screened using the inclusion criteria of smartphones and mobile apps, older adults and spatiotemporal gait parameters, and results were narratively synthesized. Seventy-three articles were initially identified while searching the scientific literature regarding this topic. Eleven articles were selected and included in this review. Analysis of these studies covered information about gait assessment using mobile apps recorded in 723 older adults and 164 control cases. Analysis of data related to the application of smartphones to assess spatiotemporal parameters of gait in older adults showed moderate-to-excellent test-retest reliability and validity (ICCs around 0.9) of gait speed, the most common parameter reported. Additionally, gait speeds recorded with mobile apps showed excellent agreement when compared to gold standard systems. Smartphones and mobile apps are useful, non-invasive, low-cost and objective tools that are being extensively used to perform gait analysis in older adults. Smartphones and mobile apps can reliably identify spatiotemporal parameters related to adverse outcomes, such as a slow gait speed, as predictors and outcomes in clinical practice and research involving older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Brognara
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40123 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cho H, Choi M, Lee H. Mobile Internet Use and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults: The Moderating Effect of Living Alone. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:841-849. [PMID: 37982396 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231216383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study, informed by the principle of the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, evaluated the relationships between mobile internet use frequency, living arrangement, and life satisfaction in older adults. We used data from the 2021 Digital Divide Survey in South Korea, conducting a secondary analysis on 2105 participants aged 65 or above who accessed the internet in the last month. Multiple linear regression models were performed. Compared to the older adults who lived with others, those living alone showed a stronger positive association between their use of the mobile internet for daily services, information production and sharing, social participation, and life satisfaction. These findings align with the principle of the COR theory, suggesting that older adults living alone due to a loss in resources are more likely to benefit from mobile internet use, indicating the potential effectiveness of promoting mobile internet use as a strategy to enhance their life satisfaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonmi Cho
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mona Choi
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyangkyu Lee
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bohn T, Ferrini K, Stahl C. LIFANA - toward developing a meal recommender system as a dietary support app for the elderly. INT J VITAM NUTR RES 2024; 94:221-238. [PMID: 37877217 DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Background: Though a variety of eHealth/mHealth dietary solutions exist, many are ill-adapted to the target population and local eating habits. A specific need exists for the elderly, a growing vulnerable population with limited digital literacy. The LIFANA project aimed at developing a mobile nutrition solution, i.e. a dietary meal-recommender app for personalized meal planning useful for the elderly. Methods: In addition to considering age, gender, and physical activity, the app assured sufficient intake of calories and proteins. The solution was optimized to consider local eating culture in Portugal (PT)/The Netherlands (NL) where it was tested. Recipes (>300) were included and aligned with national food composition dietary databases (FCDBs) to analyse their nutritional values for meal planning. Individual dietary preferences, food restrictions (i.e., allergies), and budget considerations were included in the user profile. The development process involved user integration, including focus groups and usability evaluations, followed by longer field trials in Portugal (n=53 participants, age 60-81 y, 14 months) and the Netherlands (n=107, age 52-86 y, 3 months). Endpoints regarding acceptance/usage frequency, anthropometric measures and (in PT) blood pressure and body fat were collected. Results: 23/34 elderly finalized the trials in PT/NL. No significant changes in anthropometry or other assessed markers, including blood pressure, were observed. 9% (NL) and 47% (PT) of users reported that they would consider using the solution if it were on the market. Conclusions: Via an iterative adaptive process, a dietary app was developed and improved that demonstrated acceptance/user-friendliness comparable to other tools available on the market and allowed - despite the COVID crisis - for stable anthropometric markers and blood pressure. However, it was also observed that additional features, such as a link to an online shopping app, and closer personal follow-up was associated with increased usability and acceptance of the solution and thus further personalization and nudges are warranted to increase employment of such dietary apps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Bohn
- Nutrition and Health Research Group, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | | | - Christoph Stahl
- Data Science and Analytics, ITIS Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Esch-sur Alzette, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen TH, Lee SD, Ma WF. Attributes, Quality, and Downloads of Dementia-Related Mobile Apps for Patients With Dementia and Their Caregivers: App Review and Evaluation Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e51076. [PMID: 38684083 DOI: 10.2196/51076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adoption of mobile health (mHealth) apps among older adults (>65 years) is rapidly increasing. However, use of such apps has not been fully effective in supporting people with dementia and their caregivers in their daily lives. This is mainly attributed to the heterogeneous quality of mHealth apps, highlighting the need for improved app quality in the development of dementia-related mHealth apps. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were (1) to assess the quality and content of mobile apps for dementia management and (2) to investigate the relationship between app quality and download numbers. METHODS We reviewed dementia-related mHealth apps available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in Taiwan. The identified mobile apps were stratified according to a random sampling approach and evaluated by five independent reviewers with sufficient training and proficiency in the field of mHealth and the related health care sector. App quality was scored according to the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale. A correlation analysis was then performed between the app quality score and number of app downloads. RESULTS Among the 17 apps that were evaluated, only one was specifically designed to provide dementia-related education. The mean score for the overall app quality was 3.35 (SD 0.56), with the engagement (mean 3.04, SD 0.82) and information (mean 3.14, SD 0.88) sections of the scale receiving the lowest ratings. Our analyses showed clear differences between the top three- and bottom three-rated apps, particularly in the entertainment and interest subsections of the engagement category where the ratings ranged from 1.4 to 5. The top three apps had a common feature in their interface, which included memory, attention, focus, calculation, and speed-training games, whereas the apps that received lower ratings were found to be deficient in providing adequate information. Although there was a correlation between the number of downloads (5000 or more) and app quality (t15=4.087, P<.001), this may not be a significant determinant of the app's perceived impact. CONCLUSIONS The quality of dementia-related mHealth apps is highly variable. In particular, our results show that the top three quality apps performed well in terms of engagement and information, and they all received more than 5000 downloads. The findings of this study are limited due to the small sample size and possibility of disregarding exceptional occurrences. Publicly available expert ratings of mobile apps could help people with dementia and their caregivers choose a quality mHealth app.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tzu Han Chen
- PhD Program for Health Science and Industry, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Da Lee
- PhD Program in Healthcare Science, Department of Physical Therapy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Fen Ma
- PhD Program in Healthcare Science, School of Nursing, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
White BK, Martin A, White J. Gamification and older adults: opportunities for gamification to support health promotion initiatives for older adults in the context of COVID-19. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 35:100528. [PMID: 35815240 PMCID: PMC9257427 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased reliance on digital service delivery, including the delivery of health promotion initiatives. Health promotion interventions need to carefully consider user engagement. Gamification is a strategy used to engage and motivate people, and evidence shows overall cautious positive results in the use of gamification for older people across a range of health areas although more evidence is needed. Gamification has been used as a strategy in COVID-19 related initiatives and there is potential to build on the evidence to further develop gamification initiatives for those living in the Western Pacific region to impact positively on healthy behaviours and health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Becky K. White
- Reach Health Promotion Innovations, Perth, Western Australia
- Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Annegret Martin
- Reach Health Promotion Innovations, Perth, Western Australia
| | - James White
- Reach Health Promotion Innovations, Perth, Western Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sweeney M, Barton W, Nebeker C. Evaluating Mobile Apps Targeting Older Adults: Descriptive Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e37329. [PMID: 37103995 PMCID: PMC10176132 DOI: 10.2196/37329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smartphone use has increased dramatically and, in parallel, a market for mobile apps, including health apps, has emerged. The business model of targeted mobile app advertisements allows for the collection of personal and potentially sensitive information, often without user knowledge. Older adults comprise a rapidly growing demographic that is potentially vulnerable to exploitation by those accessing data collected via these apps. OBJECTIVE This research examined apps that claimed to be useful to older adults with a goal of (1) classifying the functionality of each app, (2) identifying whether a privacy policy existed and was accessible, and (3) evaluating evidence that could support claims of value to older adults. METHODS An environmental scan was conducted using the Google search engine and typing "apps for older adults." The first 25 sites that this search returned comprised the primary data for this study. Data were organized by descriptive features of purpose (eg, health, finance, and utility), the existence of an electronically accessible privacy policy, price, and evidence supporting each recommended mobile app. RESULTS A total of 133 mobile apps were identified and promoted as being the best "apps for older adults." Of these 133 mobile apps, 83% (n=110) included a privacy policy. Fewer apps designated in the "medical" category included a privacy policy than those classified otherwise. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that most mobile apps targeting older adults include a privacy policy. Research is needed to determine whether these privacy policies are readable, succinct, and incorporate accessible data use and sharing practices to mitigate potential risks, particularly when collecting potentially sensitive health information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Sweeney
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - William Barton
- Research Center for Optimal Digital Ethics in Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Camille Nebeker
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Simon L, Reimann J, Steubl LS, Stach M, Spiegelhalder K, Sander LB, Baumeister H, Messner EM, Terhorst Y. Help for insomnia from the app store? A standardized rating of mobile health applications claiming to target insomnia. J Sleep Res 2023; 32:e13642. [PMID: 35624078 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A large number of mobile health applications claiming to target insomnia are available in commercial app stores. However, limited information on the quality of these mobile health applications exists. The present study aimed to systematically search the European Google Play and Apple App Store for mobile health applications targeting insomnia, and evaluate the quality, content, evidence base and potential therapeutic benefit. Eligible mobile health applications were evaluated by two independent reviewers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale-German, which ranges from 1 - inadequate to 5 - excellent. Of 2236 identified mobile health applications, 53 were included in this study. Most mobile health applications (68%) had a moderate overall quality. Concerning the four main subscales of the Mobile Application Rating Scale-German, functionality was rated highest (M = 4.01, SD = 0.52), followed by information quality (M = 3.49, SD = 0.72), aesthetics (M = 3.31, SD = 1.04) and engagement (M = 3.02, SD = 1.03). While scientific evidence was identified for 10 mobile health applications (19%), only one study employed a randomized controlled design. Fifty mobile health applications featured sleep hygiene/psychoeducation (94%), 27 cognitive therapy (51%), 26 relaxation methods (49%), 24 stimulus control (45%), 16 sleep restriction (30%) and 24 sleep diaries (45%). Mobile health applications may have the potential to improve the care of insomnia. Yet, data on the effectiveness of mobile health applications are scarce, and this study indicates a large variance in the quality of the mobile health applications. Thus, independent information platforms are needed to provide healthcare seekers and providers with reliable information on the quality and content of mobile health applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Simon
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Josephin Reimann
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lena Sophia Steubl
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Stach
- Institute of Databases and Information Systems, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kai Spiegelhalder
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lasse Bosse Sander
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Messner
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yannik Terhorst
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hong D, Lee SH. Effectiveness of the non-face-to-face comprehensive elderly care application "smart silver care" for community-dwelling elderly: A randomized controlled trial. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231197340. [PMID: 37654720 PMCID: PMC10467247 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231197340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Quality of life for the elderly has become an important issue, and services aimed at improving it have typically been provided face-to-face. However, coronavirus disease 2019 has limited the use of face-to-face services, and the need to convert such systems to online interfaces has emerged. Objective This study evaluates the effectiveness of a non-face-to-face comprehensive elderly care application called "Smart Silver Care." Methods This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Sixty community-dwelling elderly individuals were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups in a 1:1 ratio. The participants participated in the "Smart Silver Care" intervention using a tablet and smartwatch based on the programs we provided. The participants performed five tasks, five days a week, consisting of physical, emotional, and cognitive programs. Participants could communicate with the researchers in real-time from their homes, and the researchers could remotely supervise their performance. Results We found positive effects on the relevant scales testing fall risk (Activities-Specific Balance Confidence [ABC] Scale, p = 0.028; Timed Up and Go [TUG] test, p = 0.001). However, there was no time × group interaction between the experimental and control groups on the relevant scales for depression and quality of life (Short Form-Geriatric Depression Scale [SGDS]-K: p = 0.225; EuroQol five-dimension five-level [EQ-5D-5L], p = 0.172). While the SGDS-K and EQ-5D-5L did not show statistical significance, we found improvement trends in the experimental group. Conclusions The findings of this study show that Smart Silver Care significantly improved the participants' TUG and ABC scores in community-dwelling elderly, and a qualitative evaluation confirmed that it could be conveniently used by the elderly. Thus, Smart Silver Care offers a feasible intervention to improve the quality of life of the elderly, including physical aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dahye Hong
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Heui Lee
- Department of Nursing Science, College of Nursing, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gray N, Charness N. Technology obsolescence across the adult lifespan in a USA internet sample. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1005822. [PMID: 36276351 PMCID: PMC9582456 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1005822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We know that older adults are less likely to own certain technological devices, such as smartphones, a technology now integral to telehealth. However, for those older adults who do own devices, we know very little about how their devices may differ from those of younger adults. The age of a device can determine the types of programs it can run, as well as the level of protection it has against malicious code. The following study is an attempt to understand the ages of devices owned by different demographic groups. An electronic survey was sent to American adults from ages 19-97, querying the types of devices they own, how old those devices are, when they plan on replacing them, and demographic information. Regression models were employed to determine the factors that predict device ownership and the age of the devices owned. We replicate the finding that older adults are less likely to own certain devices, like smartphones and laptops. However, they may be more likely to own more dated devices, such as non-smart mobile phones. Models of device age showed that older adults are more likely to own older smartphones, as well as older desktop and laptop computers. Thus, older adults may be more susceptible to hacking, due to obsolete technology. In some cases, they also may not have devices modern enough for technology-based health interventions. Thus, obsolete devices may present an additional barrier for adoption of technology-based interventions by older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Gray
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Institute for Successful Longevity, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Neil Charness
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Institute for Successful Longevity, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Messner EM, Sturm N, Terhorst Y, Sander LB, Schultchen D, Portenhauser A, Schmidbaur S, Stach M, Klaus J, Baumeister H, Walter BM. Mobile Apps for the Management of Gastrointestinal Diseases: Systematic Search and Evaluation Within App Stores. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e37497. [PMID: 36197717 PMCID: PMC9582913 DOI: 10.2196/37497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastrointestinal diseases are associated with substantial cost in health care. In times of the COVID-19 pandemic and further digitalization of gastrointestinal tract health care, mobile health apps could complement routine health care. Many gastrointestinal health care apps are already available in the app stores, but the quality, data protection, and reliability often remain unclear. Objective This systematic review aimed to evaluate the quality characteristics as well as the privacy and security measures of mobile health apps for the management of gastrointestinal diseases. Methods A web crawler systematically searched for mobile health apps with a focus on gastrointestinal diseases. The identified mobile health apps were evaluated using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Furthermore, app characteristics, data protection, and security measures were collected. Classic user star rating was correlated with overall mobile health app quality. Results The overall quality of the mobile health apps (N=109) was moderate (mean 2.90, SD 0.52; on a scale ranging from 1 to 5). The quality of the subscales ranged from low (mean 1.89, SD 0.66) to good (mean 4.08, SD 0.57). The security of data transfer was ensured only by 11 (10.1%) mobile health apps. None of the mobile health apps had an evidence base. The user star rating did not correlate with the MARS overall score or with the individual subdimensions of the MARS (all P>.05). Conclusions Mobile health apps might have a positive impact on diagnosis, therapy, and patient guidance in gastroenterology in the future. We conclude that, to date, data security and proof of efficacy are not yet given in currently available mobile health apps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Messner
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Niklas Sturm
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yannik Terhorst
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Research Methods, Institute of Psychology and Education, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lasse B Sander
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg at Breisgau, Germany
| | - Dana Schultchen
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexandra Portenhauser
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Simone Schmidbaur
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Stach
- Institute of Databases and Information Systems, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jochen Klaus
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin M Walter
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yang C, Lai DWL, Sun Y, Ma CY, Chau AKC. Mobile Application Use and Loneliness among Older Adults in the Digital Age: Insights from a Survey in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:7656. [PMID: 35805316 PMCID: PMC9265966 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Existing literature on the associations between use of mobile applications (i.e., mobile apps) and loneliness among older adults (OAs) has been mainly conducted before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since mobile apps have been increasingly used by OAs during the pandemic, subsequent effects on social and emotional loneliness need updated investigation. This paper examines the relationship between mobile app use and loneliness among Hong Kong's OAs during the pandemic. In our research, 364 OAs with current use experience of mobile apps were interviewed through a questionnaire survey conducted during July and August 2021, which assessed the use frequency and duration of 14 mobile app types and levels of emotional and social loneliness. The survey illustrated communication (e.g., WhatsApp) and information apps were the most commonly used. Emotional loneliness was associated with the use of video entertainment (frequency and duration), instant communication (duration), and information apps (duration). Association between video entertainment apps' use and emotional loneliness was stronger among older and less educated OAs. Our findings highlight the distinctive relationships between different types of apps and loneliness among Hong Kong's OAs during the pandemic, which warrant further exploration via research into post-pandemic patterns and comparative studies in other regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yang
- Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong;
| | - Daniel W. L. Lai
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong;
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong;
- Research Institute for Land and Space, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Chun-Yin Ma
- Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong;
| | - Anson Kai Chun Chau
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
A systematic quality rating of available mobile health apps for borderline personality disorder. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2022; 9:17. [PMID: 35642024 PMCID: PMC9158356 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-022-00186-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health apps (MHAs) may offer a mean to overcome treatment barriers in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) mental health care. However, MHAs for BPD on the market lack transparency and quality assessment. METHODS European app stores were systematically searched, and two independent trained reviewers extracted relevant MHAs. Employed methods and privacy and security details documentation of included MHAs were extracted. MHAs were then assessed and rated using the German version of the standardized Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS-G). Mean values and standard deviations of all subscales (engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, and therapeutic gain) and correlations with user ratings were calculated. RESULTS Of 2977 identified MHAs, 16 were included, showing average quality across the four main subscales (M = 3.25, SD = 0.68). Shortcomings were observed with regard to engagement (M = 2.87, SD = 0.99), potential therapeutic gain (M = 2.67, SD = 0.83), existing evidence base (25.0% of included MHAs were tested empirically), and documented privacy and security details. No significant correlations were found between user ratings and the overall total score of the MARS-G or MARS-G main subscales. CONCLUSIONS Available MHAs for BPD vary in quality and evidence on their efficacy, effectiveness, and possible adverse events is scarce. More substantial efforts to ensure the quality of MHAs available for patients and a focus on transparency, particularly regarding privacy and security documentation, are necessary.
Collapse
|
13
|
Are Mobile Apps in Geriatric Mental Health Worth the Effort? Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:585-587. [PMID: 35065873 PMCID: PMC8785416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
14
|
Jaworski BK, Taylor K, Ramsey KM, Heinz AJ, Steinmetz S, Owen JE, Tsai J, Pietrzak RH. Predicting Uptake of the COVID Coach App Among US Military Veterans: Funnel Analysis Using a Probability-Based Panel. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e36217. [PMID: 35245204 PMCID: PMC8985691 DOI: 10.2196/36217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the COVID-19 pandemic has not led to a uniform increase of mental health concerns among older adults, there is evidence to suggest that some older veterans did experience an exacerbation of preexisting mental health conditions, and that mental health difficulties were associated with a lack of social support and increasing numbers of pandemic-related stressors. Mobile mental health apps are scalable, may be a helpful resource for managing stress during the pandemic and beyond, and could potentially provide services that are not accessible due to the pandemic. However, overall comfort with mobile devices and factors influencing the uptake and usage of mobile apps during the pandemic among older veterans are not well known. COVID Coach is a free, evidence-informed mobile app designed for pandemic-related stress. Public usage data have been evaluated; however, the uptake and usage of the app among older veterans have not been explored. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to characterize smartphone ownership rates among US veterans, identify veteran characteristics associated with downloading and use of COVID Coach, and characterize key content usage within the app. METHODS Data were analyzed from the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS), which surveyed a nationally representative, prospective cohort of 3078 US military veterans before and 1 year into the pandemic. The NHRVS sample was drawn from KnowledgePanel, a research panel of more than 50,000 households maintained by Ipsos, Inc. The median time to complete the survey was nearly 32 minutes. The research version of COVID Coach was offered to all veterans who completed the peripandemic follow-up assessment on a mobile device (n=814; weighted 34.2% of total sample). App usage data from all respondents who downloaded the app (n=34; weighted 3.3% of the mobile completers sample) were collected between November 14, 2020, and November 7, 2021. RESULTS We found that most US veterans (81.5%) own smartphones, and that veterans with higher education, greater number of adverse childhood experiences, higher extraversion, and greater severity of pandemic-related posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were more likely to download COVID Coach. Although uptake and usage of COVID Coach were relatively low (3.3% of eligible participants, n=34), 50% of the participants returned to the app for more than 1 day of use. The interactive tools for managing stress were used most frequently. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for and creation of digital mental health tools. However, these resources may require tailoring for older veteran populations. Future research is needed to better understand how to optimize digital mental health tools such as apps to ensure uptake and usage among older adults, particularly those who have experienced traumas across the lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth K Jaworski
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissemination & Training Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Katherine Taylor
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissemination & Training Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Kelly M Ramsey
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissemination & Training Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Adrienne J Heinz
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissemination & Training Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Sarah Steinmetz
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissemination & Training Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Jason E Owen
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissemination & Training Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Jack Tsai
- National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL, United States.,School of Public Health, San Antonio Campus, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Geirhos A, Stephan M, Wehrle M, Mack C, Messner EM, Schmitt A, Baumeister H, Terhorst Y, Sander LB. Standardized evaluation of the quality and persuasiveness of mobile health applications for diabetes management. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3639. [PMID: 35256661 PMCID: PMC8901695 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07544-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates diabetes self-management mobile health applications available from European app stores with respect to quality, concordance with recommended self-management tasks and implementation of persuasive system design principles. The European Play Store and Apple App Store were systematically searched and relevant apps were tested. Two raters independently assessed app quality using the Mobile Application Rating Scale and conducted a content analysis of provided persuasive system design principles and self-management tasks. A total of 2,269 mobile health applications were identified and 120 could be included in the evaluation. The overall quality was rated as moderate M = 3.20 (SD = 0.39, min = 2.31, max = 4.62), with shortcomings in the subcategories of engagement (M = 2.80, SD = 0.67) and information quality (M = 2.26, SD = 0.48). Scientific evidence is available for 8% of the apps. The reviewed apps implemented a median of three persuasive system design principles (range 0-15) and targeted a median of 4.5 (range 1-8) self-management tasks, however, with a lack of information about psychosocial coping strategies. Most available diabetes self-management apps lack a scientific evidence base. Persuasive system design features are underrepresented and may form a promising tool to improve app quality. Furthermore, the interaction of physical and behavioral health should be improved in existing diabetes self-management mobile health applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Geirhos
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Engineering, Computer Science and Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - M Stephan
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M Wehrle
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Engineering, Computer Science and Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - C Mack
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - E-M Messner
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Engineering, Computer Science and Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - A Schmitt
- Research Institute of the Diabetes Academy Mergentheim, Diabetes Center Mergentheim (DZM), Bad Mergentheim, Germany
| | - H Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Engineering, Computer Science and Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Y Terhorst
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Engineering, Computer Science and Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - L B Sander
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Eis S, Solà-Morales O, Duarte-Díaz A, Vidal-Alaball J, Perestelo-Pérez L, Robles N, Carrion C. Mobile Applications in Mood Disorders and Mental Health: Systematic Search in Apple App Store and Google Play Store and Review of the Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042186. [PMID: 35206373 PMCID: PMC8871536 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The main objective of this work was to explore and characterize the current landscape of mobile applications available to treat mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia. METHODS We developed a tool that makes both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store searchable using keywords and that facilitates the extraction of basic app information of the search results. All app results were filtered using various inclusion and exclusion criteria. We characterized all resultant applications according to their technical details. Furthermore, we searched for scientific publications on each app's website and PubMed, to understand whether any of the apps were supported by any type of scientific evidence on their acceptability, validation, use, effectiveness, etc. Results: Thirty apps were identified that fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature search yielded 27 publications related to the apps. However, these did not exclusively concern mood disorders. 6 were randomized studies and the rest included a protocol, pilot-, feasibility, case-, or qualitative studies, among others. The majority of studies were conducted on relatively small scales and 9 of the 27 studies did not explicitly study the effects of mobile application use on mental wellbeing. CONCLUSION While there exists a wealth of mobile applications aimed at the treatment of mental health disorders, including mood disorders, this study showed that only a handful of these are backed by robust scientific evidence. This result uncovers a need for further clinically oriented and systematic validation and testing of such apps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Eis
- Fundació HiTT (Health Innovation Technology Transfer), 08015 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Oriol Solà-Morales
- Fundació HiTT (Health Innovation Technology Transfer), 08015 Barcelona, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Duarte-Díaz
- Canary Islands Health Research Institute Foundation (FIISC), 38109 Tenerife, Spain;
| | - Josep Vidal-Alaball
- Health Promotion in Rural Areas Research Group, Gerència Territorial de la Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut, 08272 Barcelona, Spain;
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVIC-UCC), 08500 Vic, Spain
| | | | - Noemí Robles
- eHealth Lab Research Group, School of Health Sciences and eHealth Centre, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Carme Carrion
- eHealth Lab Research Group, School of Health Sciences and eHealth Centre, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.R.); (C.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Mobile health applications (apps) have transformed the possibilities for health promotion and disease self-management; however, their promise is not fully realized owing to their reliance on commercial ecosystems for development and distribution. This review provides an overview of the types of mobile health apps and describes key stakeholders in terms of how apps are used, developed, and regulated. I outline key challenges facing consumers, public health professionals, and policy makers in evaluating the quality of health apps and summarize what is known about the impact of apps on health outcomes and health equity. I suggest that factors within the wider mobile ecosystem largely define the impact of health apps and, most notably, practices around the collection and commercialization of user data. Finally, I suggest that upstream public health strategies, grounded in an understanding of corporate influences on health, are necessary to promote healthy digital environments in which mobile health app innovation can flourish. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Public Health, Volume 43 is April 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quinn Grundy
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Domhardt M, Messner EM, Eder AS, Engler S, Sander LB, Baumeister H, Terhorst Y. Mobile-based interventions for common mental disorders in youth: a systematic evaluation of pediatric health apps. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2021; 15:49. [PMID: 34517896 PMCID: PMC8438844 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-021-00401-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The access to empirically-supported treatments for common mental disorders in children and adolescents is often limited. Mental health apps might extend service supplies, as they are deemed to be cost-efficient, scalable and appealing for youth. However, little is known about the quality of available apps. Therefore, we aimed to systematically evaluate current mobile-based interventions for pediatric anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS Systematic searches were conducted in Google Play Store and Apple App Store to identify relevant apps. To be eligible for inclusion, apps needed to be: (1) designed to target either anxiety, depression or PTSD in youth (0-18 years); (2) developed for children, adolescents or caregivers; (3) provided in English or German; (4) operative after download. The quality of eligible apps was assessed with two standardized rating systems (i.e., Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and ENLIGHT) independently by two reviewers. RESULTS Overall, the searches revealed 3806 apps, with 15 mental health apps (0.39%) fulfilling our inclusion criteria. The mean overall scores suggested a moderate app quality (MARS: M = 3.59, SD = 0.50; ENLIGHT: M = 3.22, SD = 0.73). Moreover, only one app was evaluated in an RCT. The correlation of both rating scales was high (r = .936; p < .001), whereas no significant correlations were found between rating scales and user ratings (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS Our results point to a rather poor overall app quality, and indicate an absence of scientific-driven development and lack of methodologically sound evaluation of apps. Thus, future high-quality research is required, both in terms of theoretically informed intervention development and assessment of mental health apps in RCTs. Furthermore, institutionalized best-practices that provide central information on different aspects of apps (e.g., effectiveness, safety, and data security) for patients, caregivers, stakeholders and mental health professionals are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Domhardt
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Lise-Meitner-Str. 16, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Messner
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Lise-Meitner-Str. 16, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna-Sophia Eder
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Lise-Meitner-Str. 16, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sophie Engler
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Lise-Meitner-Str. 16, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lasse B Sander
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Engelberger Str. 41, 79106, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Lise-Meitner-Str. 16, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yannik Terhorst
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Lise-Meitner-Str. 16, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
- Department of Research Methods, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069, Ulm, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sander LB, Lemor ML, Van der Sloot RJA, De Jaegere E, Büscher R, Messner EM, Baumeister H, Terhorst Y. A Systematic Evaluation of Mobile Health Applications for the Prevention of Suicidal Behavior or Non-suicidal Self-injury. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:689692. [PMID: 34713162 PMCID: PMC8521855 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.689692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
People with suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior face numerous barriers to help-seeking, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile health applications (MHA) are discussed as one solution to improve healthcare. However, the commercial app markets are growing unregulated and rapidly, leading to an inscrutable market. This study evaluates the quality, features, functions, and prevention strategies of MHA for people with suicidal ideation and NSSI. An automatic search engine identified MHA for suicidal behavior and NSSI in the European commercial app stores. MHA quality and general characteristics were assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). MHA of high quality (top 25%) were examined in detail and checked for consistency with established suicide prevention strategies. Of 10,274 identified apps, 179 MHA met the predefined inclusion criteria. Average MHA quality was moderate (M = 3.56, SD = 0.40). Most MHA provided emergency contact, but lacked security features. High-quality MHA were broadly consistent with the best-practice guidelines. The search revealed apps containing potentially harmful and triggering content, and no randomized controlled trial of any included MHA was found. Despite a large heterogeneity in the quality of MHA, high-quality MHA for suicidal behavior and NSSI are available in European commercial app stores. However, a lack of a scientific evidence base poses potential threats to users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lasse B. Sander
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Lemor
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Racine J. A. Van der Sloot
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva De Jaegere
- Department of Head and Skin, Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rebekka Büscher
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Messner
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yannik Terhorst
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Medical Device Regulation Efforts for mHealth Apps during the COVID-19 Pandemic—An Experience Report of Corona Check and Corona Health. J 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/j4020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the healthcare environment, mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) are becoming more and more important. The number of new mHealth apps has risen steadily in the last years. Especially the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an enormous amount of app releases. In most countries, mHealth applications have to be compliant with several regulatory aspects to be declared a “medical app”. However, the latest applicable medical device regulation (MDR) does not provide more details on the requirements for mHealth applications. When developing a medical app, it is essential that all contributors in an interdisciplinary team—especially software engineers—are aware of the specific regulatory requirements beforehand. The development process, however, should not be stalled due to integration of the MDR. Therefore, a developing framework that includes these aspects is required to facilitate a reliable and quick development process. The paper at hand introduces the creation of such a framework on the basis of the Corona Health and Corona Check apps. The relevant regulatory guidelines are listed and summarized as a guidance for medical app developments during the pandemic and beyond. In particular, the important stages and challenges faced that emerged during the entire development process are highlighted.
Collapse
|
21
|
Paganini S, Terhorst Y, Sander LB, Catic S, Balci S, Küchler AM, Schultchen D, Plaumann K, Sturmbauer S, Krämer LV, Lin J, Wurst R, Pryss R, Baumeister H, Messner EM. Quality of Physical Activity Apps: Systematic Search in App Stores and Content Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e22587. [PMID: 34106073 PMCID: PMC8262667 DOI: 10.2196/22587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Physical inactivity is a major contributor to the development and persistence of chronic diseases. Mobile health apps that foster physical activity have the potential to assist in behavior change. However, the quality of the mobile health apps available in app stores is hard to assess for making informed decisions by end users and health care providers. Objective This study aimed at systematically reviewing and analyzing the content and quality of physical activity apps available in the 2 major app stores (Google Play and App Store) by using the German version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS-G). Moreover, the privacy and security measures were assessed. Methods A web crawler was used to systematically search for apps promoting physical activity in the Google Play store and App Store. Two independent raters used the MARS-G to assess app quality. Further, app characteristics, content and functions, and privacy and security measures were assessed. The correlation between user star ratings and MARS was calculated. Exploratory regression analysis was conducted to determine relevant predictors for the overall quality of physical activity apps. Results Of the 2231 identified apps, 312 met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that the overall quality was moderate (mean 3.60 [SD 0.59], range 1-4.75). The scores of the subscales, that is, information (mean 3.24 [SD 0.56], range 1.17-4.4), engagement (mean 3.19 [SD 0.82], range 1.2-5), aesthetics (mean 3.65 [SD 0.79], range 1-5), and functionality (mean 4.35 [SD 0.58], range 1.88-5) were obtained. An efficacy study could not be identified for any of the included apps. The features of data security and privacy were mainly not applied. Average user ratings showed significant small correlations with the MARS ratings (r=0.22, 95% CI 0.08-0.35; P<.001). The amount of content and number of functions were predictive of the overall quality of these physical activity apps, whereas app store and price were not. Conclusions Apps for physical activity showed a broad range of quality ratings, with moderate overall quality ratings. Given the present privacy, security, and evidence concerns inherent to most rated apps, their medical use is questionable. There is a need for open-source databases of expert quality ratings to foster informed health care decisions by users and health care providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Paganini
- Department of Sport Psychology, Institute of Sports and Sport Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yannik Terhorst
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lasse Bosse Sander
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Selma Catic
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sümeyye Balci
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ann-Marie Küchler
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dana Schultchen
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Katrin Plaumann
- Institute of Media Informatics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sarah Sturmbauer
- Chair of Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lena Violetta Krämer
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jiaxi Lin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ramona Wurst
- Department of Sport Psychology, Institute of Sports and Sport Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Pryss
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Messner
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Terhorst Y, Messner EM, Schultchen D, Paganini S, Portenhauser A, Eder AS, Bauer M, Papenhoff M, Baumeister H, Sander LB. Systematic evaluation of content and quality of English and German pain apps in European app stores. Internet Interv 2021; 24:100376. [PMID: 33718002 PMCID: PMC7933737 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Pain spans a broad spectrum of diseases and types that are highly prevalent and cause substantial disease burden for individuals and society. Up to 40% of people affected by pain receive no or inadequate treatment. Providing a scalable, time-, and location-independent way for pain diagnostic, management, prevention and treatment mobile health applications (MHA) might be a promising approach to improve health care for pain. However, the commercial app market is rapidly growing and unregulated, resulting in an opaque market. Studies investigating the content, privacy and security features, quality and scientific evidence of the available apps are highly needed, to guide patients and clinicians to high quality MHA.Contributing to this challenge, the present study investigates the content, quality, and privacy features of pain apps available in the European app stores. METHODS An automated search engine was used to identify pain apps in the European Google Play and Apple App store. Pain apps were screened and checked for systematic criteria (pain-relatedness, functionality, availability, independent usability, English or German). Content, quality and privacy features were assessed by two independent reviewers using the German Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS-G). The MARS-G assesses quality on four objectives (engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information quality) and two subjective scales (perceived impact, subjective quality). RESULTS Out of 1034 identified pain apps 218 were included. Pain apps covered eight different pain types. Content included basic information, advice, assessment and tracking, and stand-alone interventions. The overall quality of the pain apps was average M = 3.13 (SD = 0.56, min = 1, max = 4.69). The effectiveness of less than 1% of the included pain apps was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. Major problems with data privacy were present: 59% provided no imprint, 70% had no visible privacy policy. CONCLUSION A multitude of pain apps is available. Most MHA lack scientific evaluation and have serious privacy issues, posing a potential threat to users. Further research on evidence and improvements privacy and security are needed. Overall, the potential of pain apps is not exploited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yannik Terhorst
- Department of Research Methods, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069 Ulm, Germany
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Lise-Meitner-Str. 16, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Messner
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Lise-Meitner-Str. 16, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Dana Schultchen
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069 Ulm, Germany
| | - Sarah Paganini
- Department of Sport Psychology, University of Freiburg, Schwarzwaldstraße 175, 79117 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Portenhauser
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Lise-Meitner-Str. 16, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna-Sophia Eder
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Lise-Meitner-Str. 16, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Melanie Bauer
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069 Ulm, Germany
| | - Mike Papenhoff
- Pain Medicine Clinic, BG Klinikum Duisburg, Grossenbaumer Allee 250, D-47249 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Lise-Meitner-Str. 16, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Lasse Bosse Sander
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Engelberger Str. 41, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| |
Collapse
|